"Forever Friends" ~ Stronger Because of Our Mutual Loss

During the summer I often look through the various blogs in my "draft" folder. On average, there are usually twenty-five blogs here. What is in these drafts varies. Some are a photo or video, while others contain a Bible verse and reflection to build on. 

Some are completed blogs for future use, like I have next year's 4th of July blog written and ready to post for 2015. Why? The inspiration for some blogs come during a celebration or event so when I return home I write it down for future use, so I don't forget the message God gave me to share with all of you. 

I saw the title "Forever Friends" and couldn't decide what this might be, figured it was a picture of my daughter and one of her dogs. It was on the last page of the drafts so it's been saved for awhile.BUT, I was overwhelmed with a smile and feeling of love when I saw the photographs included in this draft. I'm to the right in the photo and the beautiful young woman standing next to me is Suzie. If you have read Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, you will recognize the name. Suzie was a dear high school friend of my sisters. After Heidi's abduction from the D & W Convenience Store, Suzie dedicated countless hours, days, weeks, and months to help in the search efforts to locate Heidi.

Suzie isn't the only friend who dedicated time to helping out yet she is one who was there nearly is much as I was, and we formed a special bond during this time. The photographs in today's blog were taken in 2012, the summer before Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released. Suzie and one of her daughters stopped for a visit and she blessed me with this "Forever Friends" Willow Tree for my collection. She and Heidi are forever friends, and one blessing from the tragic loss of my beautiful sister is the forever friendship I now have with Suzie and many of Heidi's other friends I now call friend too.

Beauty from Ashes, friendship born from tragedy. Thankful for the way God works in our lives

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"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, 
a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness,
they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory."

Isaiah 61:3

Who is your forever friend? Why are you thankful for him/her?